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India and Eritrea Strengthen Ties: Key Talks on Trade and Aid in Asmara

India and Eritrea just held their third round of Foreign Office Consultations in Asmara. They talked about everything from politics and trade to education and renewable energy. The Indian delegation also met with Eritrea's Foreign and Information Ministers during the visit. They've agreed to hold the next round of talks in New Delhi.

Key Points: India Eritrea Third Foreign Office Consultations Held in Asmara

  • Delegations reviewed full spectrum of bilateral relations including trade and energy
  • Both sides exchanged views on key regional issues of mutual interest
  • India's exports to Eritrea were nearly $18 million in 2022-23
  • India has provided multiple rounds of food assistance to Eritrea since 2003
2 min read

India, Eritrea hold Third Round of Foreign Office Consultations in Asmara

India and Eritrea review bilateral ties, trade, and aid in third Foreign Office Consultations. Discussions cover economic cooperation and regional issues.

"Both sides reiterated their commitment to further strengthen and deepen this partnership. - Ministry of External Affairs"

New Delhi, December 6

The third round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between India and Eritrea took place in Asmara. The Indian delegation, led by M Suresh Kumar, Joint Secretary (WANA), Ministry of External Affairs, held discussions with their Eritrean counterparts, led by Ambassador Estifanos Habtemariam Ghereyus, Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the discussions, the delegations reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, including political, economic, capacity building, health, education, renewable energy, culture and people-to-people ties, according to the Ministry of External Affairs

The two sides also exchanged views on regional issues of mutual interest. Emphasising the importance of human resource development through Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation and ICCR scholarships, both sides reiterated their commitment to further strengthen and deepen this partnership.

Both sides looked forward to continuing these exchanges as well as regular meetings of institutional mechanisms, MEA stated.

During the visit, Suresh Kumar also called on Osman Saleh Mohammad, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Yemane Gebremeskel, Minister of Information of Eritrea.

Both sides agreed to hold the next round of Foreign Office Consultations at a mutually convenient date in New Delhi.

MEA also noted that the Indian community in Eritrea--comprising around 200 professionals, school teachers, college professors and construction workers--mainly resides in Asmara, Keren and Adi Keyh. The Embassy of India regularly organises Pravasi Bharatiya Divas for the community.

Economic engagement between the two countries remains steady. India's exports to Eritrea stood at USD 17.95 million in 2022-23, consisting largely of sugar, pharmaceutical products, rubber, rice, apparel and clothing accessories. Eritrea also qualifies for India's unilateral Duty-Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) scheme for export of goods and services to India.

India has extended multiple rounds of food assistance to Eritrea over the years. In 2003, India donated 50 metric tonnes of wheat, in addition to an earlier supply of 150 MT of wheat and 20 MT of sugar. In November 2020, India provided 50 MT of food aid--including white wheat flour, rice and sugar--to support Eritrea's requirements.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Heartening to read about our small but significant Indian community there - 200 professionals and teachers making a difference. The Embassy organising Pravasi Bharatiya Divas for them is a lovely touch. 🇮🇳 Makes me proud of our global diaspora.
R
Rahul R
The economic figures are quite modest - $18 million in exports. While every partnership matters, I hope our focus remains on strengthening ties with larger economies and our immediate neighbours. The food aid is commendable, but we must ensure our resources are used strategically.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see the focus on renewable energy. India has made great strides in solar power. Sharing that expertise with countries like Eritrea is a win-win. Builds goodwill and opens doors for our companies.
K
Karthik V
ITEC and ICCR scholarships are our soft power tools. When students from Africa come to study in India, they go back as lifelong friends of our country. This is how you build a lasting legacy, not just through government talks. More power to such initiatives!
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Nisha Z
The consistent food assistance over the years shows we don't just talk, we deliver. 50 MT of wheat, 150 MT... these are tangible gestures of solidarity. In a world focused on self-interest, India's willingness to help is something to be proud of.

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